International level

Mississauga, Jan 01 : ‘Praise Adonai’, the 17th Annual spiritual event organized at Michael Power and St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Etobicoke by Sts. Peter and Paul Prayer Group of Mississauga, Canada on December 31, 2019 was a spiritually awesome success that stirred the spirituality of over 400 faithful of multi-cultural background who attended despite the cold conditions from various parts of Canada.

The main purpose of this event was to spend the last few hours of 2019 in thanksgiving, to usher into the New Year 2020 in His mighty presence and to celebrate the exuberant joy and presence of God in their lives. Undoubtedly it was a life changing experience for all who were present with the theme: "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you" (Joshua 3:5). The evening program triggered off at 6:00pm with the recitation of the Holy Rosary led by Lucy and Gerry D’Mello. This was followed by the melodious and angelic singing of the prayer-group choir under the leadership of the Servant Leader Olympio Fernandes. The powerful Praise and Worship led by Stephen Fernandes and Greta Shu was truly soul-elevating and gave the packed audience a heavenly experience.

Fr.Franklin D’Souza, the main speaker for the evening gave a powerful talk on ‘Sanctification’. Fr. Franklin, a renowned preacher from India, flew-in to Canada especially for the occasion. In his talk he highlighted how to sanctify through the power of the ‘Word of God’ and through "Sacrament of reconciliation" . His spirit-filled talk led the congregation to repent at the final hours of the year 2019.

This was followed by delicious & sumptuous dinner catered by ‘Konkan Delite’, Toronto’s renowned Caterers.

Next was ‘Touched by Faith’ Spiritual Skit based on the healing touch of Jesus written and directed by the renowned artiste Olympio Fernandes was presented by the prayer-group members. Spectators were totally spell-bound on seeing their unmatched performance.

Fr.Franklin during his second talk spoke on John 5:1-14, he stressed that Eucharist and Confession are the greatest means of healing. He stressed that we should never lose hope. Faith in Jesus brings healing. He led the healing Adoration.

Fr.Edwin Gonsalves led the benediction.

Holy Mass was celebrated at midnight by Fr.Edwin Gonsalves, Rector of St.Augustine’s Seminary of the Archdiocese of Toronto, concelebrated by Fr.Franklin D’Souza assisted by Deacon Sarfaraz Pinto that was actively participated by all who attended the event. Fr.Edwin delivered a meaningful homily focused God’s love, Mother Mary and family life! The superb Prayer Group Choir truly helped the congregation to celebrate the first Holy Eucharist in the New Year-2020 with great devotion.

To add more fun there were quiz questions to the audience based on Holy Scriptures & lots of door prizes.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Teresa Passanha, one of the Core-Team members of the prayer group.

There was great joy among the audience who spent their final hours of the year 2019 and the early hours of the New Year 2020 in the presence of the Lord.